Citizen Science Programs

Watching birds is more popular than ever! Tens of thousands of Canadians share their energy, skill, and bird observations through Bird Studies Canada's bird surveys. These "Citizen Scientists" provide a tremendous service by volunteering their time to track the health of bird populations.

Research and Conservation

Using data from our targeted research initiatives and Citizen Science programs, and in collaboration with conservation partners, our scientists monitor bird population trends, investigate declines, and recommend actions to protect the health of ecosystems we all depend on.

Help Us Conserve Canada’s Birds

You can play an important role in conserving Canada's wild birds! Bird Studies Canada supporters provide charitable donations as well as making
valuable Citizen Science contributions. Our nationwide programs are focused on the highest-priority conservation needs for birds.

Breeding Bird Atlases

Birds are effective indicators of environmental health. They respond quickly to environmental change, occupy every habitat type, and are easy to survey.

In collaboration with numerous partners and thousands of volunteer Citizen Scientists, Bird Studies Canada is mapping breeding bird distribution and relative abundance across the country. Atlases provide a standard
assessment of the current status of breeding birds, and lay the framework for evaluating long-term changes. The results are critical to conservation decision-making.

Canada's National Atlas Program is a partnership between Environment Canada, Bird Studies Canada, provincial governments, natural history organizations, and the private sector. Since the year 2000, breeding bird atlases
have been completed or are under way in Ontario, the Maritimes,
British Columbia,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Québec.
More are in the planning phase for other provinces.

National Atlas Program results drive conservation policy, species at risk recovery, habitat management and stewardship, land acquisition, and more!

This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Ce projet a été réalisé avec l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.